KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Minnows Nicaragua have warned Jamaica not to take them lightly, as they eye an upset in the first leg of the third round 2018 World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium here tomorrow.
The Central Americans languish 144th in the FIFA rankings, a whopping 89 spots below the 55th ranked Regge Boyz.
But despite entering the contest as underdogs, Nicaragua Football Association head, Jose Jocinto Reyes believes they can spring an upset on the hosts.
“We are coming from less to more, and we are ready for Jamaica,” Reyes told reporters through an interpreter after arriving here on Tuesday with part of the contingent.
“We are a young team and do not have the same experience as Jamaica, as we are very aware of the standard of play of the Jamaican team. Saying this, we have prepared to be competitive with our young team and a winning result is what we are here to achieve.”
He continued: “Russia is our aim and even a draw for us is just as good as a win. We are expecting to put on a good showing and will be thrilled to see a full house turning out for the game.”
Nicaragua have produced dominant performances so far in the World Cup qualifiers to reach this stage of the competition. They hammered Anguilla 8-0 on aggregate in the first round and in the second round, breezed past Suriname 4-1 on aggregate, after winning the first leg 1-0 and the second, 3-1.
Jamaica will present the first real challenge for the Nicaraguans but the Reyes said with his side still developing, they would be sure to learn from the experience regardless of the result.
“Nicaragua is working with young talent and, irrespective of the outcome of the game, football will be the victor.”
